Demand response system

ABSTRACT

A demand response (DR) system includes a DR control unit to generate different DR levels having different power rates for each power unit, and transmit a current DR level, and a household appliance to receive the DR level from the DR control unit, and differentially control energy output of a product in response to the received DR level so as to reduce power consumption of the product. As a result, the DR system reduces power consumption when power rates are high so as to reduce electricity bills.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. Ser. No.12/929,873 filed Feb. 22, 2011, and claims the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2010-0018627, filed on Mar. 2, 2010 in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments relate to a demand response system for reducing powerconsumption during peak power rates so as to reduce electricity bills.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, it is necessary for a power system to balance demand andsupply. This requirement of the power system is of importance torational utilization of limited energy resources.

For the aforementioned reasons, demand management is a focus ofattention, and a number of studies are underway into demand response(DR) systems for advanced demand management.

Demand response (DR) can be defined as variation in consumption formatdepending on variation in power rates. In addition, demand response (DR)may be defined as incentive payment to restrict electricity consumptionwhen power rates are high.

Demand response (DR) may further include a procedure for changingconsumption behavior in the same manner as in the aforementionedincentive payment. By means of the aforementioned two methods, thedemand response (DR) of consumers may be derived. Consumers can reducepower consumption during a specific time interval of high power rateseven if such reduction in power consumption during the specific intervalcauses inconvenience. For example, the consumer may temporarily stop anair-conditioner in midsummer so as to reduce power consumption whenpower rates are high.

However, a conventional DR system has proposed an easy and simplecontrol scheme dependent upon cost or price information. That is, theconventional DR system has been designed to limit the operation ofhousehold appliances in response to power rates, which may cause userinconvenience.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is an aspect to provide a demand response system to changeenergy output of a product in response to a demand response (DR) levelhaving power rate information per power unit, thereby reducing peakpower rates when power rates are high so as to reduce electricity bills.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may belearned by practice of the invention.

In accordance with one aspect, a demand response system includes ademand response (DR) control unit to generate different DR levels havingdifferent power rates for each power unit, and transmit a current DRlevel; and a household appliance to receive the DR level from the DRcontrol unit, and differentially control energy output of a product inresponse to the received DR level so as to reduce power consumption ofthe product.

The household appliance may include a storage unit to store informationassociated with the energy output for each DR level of the householdappliance, a receiving unit to receive a DR level from the DR controlunit, a controller to change the energy output of the householdappliance to an output value corresponding to the received DR levelaccording to the DR level received through the receiving unit so as toreduce power consumption of the household appliance, and a load drivingunit to drive a variety of loads of the household appliance in responseto a control signal of the controller.

The controller may reduce energy output as the received DR levelincreases.

The household appliance may be an induction heating cooker including aworking coil heating a container, and the controller may change aninitial output level of the working coil to a level corresponding to thereceived DR level in response to the received DR level.

The household appliance may be an air-conditioner, and the controllermay change an initial set temperature of the air-conditioner to atemperature value corresponding to the received DR level in response tothe received DR level.

The household appliance may be a refrigerator, and the controller maychange an initial freezing-chamber temperature of the refrigerator to atemperature value corresponding to the received DR level in response tothe received DR level.

The household appliance may be a refrigerator, and the controller maychange an initial compressor operation rate of the refrigerator to anoperation rate corresponding to the received DR level in response to thereceived DR level.

The household appliance may include an input unit to receive a commandfrom a user; and the controller may disable or enable energy outputcontrol in response to the DR level upon receiving the user command fromthe input unit.

The input unit may include a first button to establish a time zone and asecond button to establish the DR level, and the controller may maintaina DR level entered through the second button during a time zone enteredthrough the first button.

The input unit may include a first button to establish a time and asecond button to establish the DR level, and the controller may maintaina DR level entered through the second button during a time enteredthrough the first button.

The household appliance may include a display unit, and the controllermay display a currently operating DR level on the display unit.

The controller may display information associated with power ratesreduced by energy output control in response to the DR level on thedisplay unit.

The DR control unit may receive power rate information, accumulate thereceived power rate information in units of a predetermined time, i.e.,one day, one week, one month, one year, or the like, and establish theplurality of DR levels using the accumulated power rate information.

In accordance with another aspect, an induction heating cookingapparatus includes a load driving unit to drive a working coil heating acontainer, a receiving unit to receive a demand response (DR) levelrelated to power rate information for each power unit, a storage unit tostore output levels of individual DR levels, and a controller to confirman output level corresponding to the DR level received through thereceiving unit, change the output level established in the working coilto the confirmed output level, and control an operation of the loaddriving unit in such a manner that the working coil is operated at thechanged output level.

Information stored in the storage unit may be stored in a manner thatthe output level is reduced in proportion to the increasing DR level.

In accordance with another aspect, an air-conditioner includes a loaddriving unit to drive a compressor, a receiving unit to receive a demandresponse (DR) level related to power rate information for each powerunit; a storage unit to store temperature values of individual DRlevels, and a controller to confirm a temperature value corresponding tothe DR level received through the receiver, change a set temperatureestablished in the air-conditioner to the confirmed temperature value,and control an operation of the load driving unit so that the settemperature value of the air-conditioner reaches the changed temperaturevalue.

Information stored in the storage unit may be stored in a manner thatthe temperature value increases in proportion to the increasing DRlevel.

In accordance with another aspect, a refrigerator may include a loaddriving unit to drive a compressor, a receiving unit to receive a demandresponse (DR) level related to power rate information for each powerunit, a storage unit to store freezing-chamber temperature values ofindividual DR levels, and a controller to confirm a freezing-chambertemperature value corresponding to the DR level received through thereceiver, change a set freezing-chamber temperature established in therefrigerator to the confirmed freezing-chamber temperature value, andcontrol an operation of the load driving unit so that thefreezing-chamber temperature value of the refrigerator reaches thechanged freezing-chamber temperature value.

Information stored in the storage unit may be stored in a manner thatthe freezing-chamber temperature value increases in proportion to theincreasing DR level.

In accordance with another aspect, a refrigerator includes a loaddriving unit to drive a compressor, a receiving unit to receive a demandresponse (DR) level related to power rate information for each powerunit, a storage unit to store compressor operation rates of individualDR levels, and a controller to confirm a compressor operation ratecorresponding to the DR level received through the receiver, change acompressor operation rate established in the refrigerator to theconfirmed compressor operation rate, and control an operation of theload driving unit so that the refrigerator is operated at the changedcompressor operation rate.

Information stored in the storage unit may be stored in a manner thatthe compressor operate rate is reduced in proportion to the increasingDR level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects of the invention will become apparent andmore readily appreciated from the following description of theembodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings ofwhich:

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a demand response (DR)system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating a household appliance foruse in a DR system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a table illustrating initial output levels in response to DRlevels of an induction heating cooker of a DR system according to anembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an inductionheating cooker using a DR system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a table illustrating temperature levels in response to DRlevels of an air-conditioner for use in a DR system according to anembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling anair-conditioner using a DR system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling arefrigerator using a DR system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an induction heating cooker for use in a DR systemaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a message indicating a DR level operation and a messageindicating reduced power rates that are displayed on a display panel ofan induction heating cooker for use in a DR system according to anembodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an operation panel for manually establishing a DR level ofa household appliance for use in a DR system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows another operation panel for manually establishing a DRlevel of a household appliance for use in a DR system according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a demand response (DR)system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the DR system includes a smartmeter 10 installed ina home to transmit and receive information to and from a power company;a DR control unit 20 for receiving information about electric chargesfrom the smartmeter 10; and respective household appliances 30 connectedto the DR control unit 20 over a network.

Each household appliance 30 performs a desired function using powerreceived through a power line.

The household appliance 30 may include all kinds of electric householdappliances, for example, an induction heating cooker, anair-conditioner, a refrigerator, a washing machine, etc.

The DR control unit 20 receives power rate information from the powercompany through the smartmeter 10, and establishes different DR levelsof individual power units using the received power rate information. Theestablished DR level information is transmitted to each householdappliance 30.

The DR control unit 20 records power rate information received from thesmartmeter 10 at intervals of a unit time. For example, assuming thatthe unit time is set to one hour, the power rate information is recorded24 times each day. The DR control unit 20 establishes a plurality of DRlevels representing different power rates of individual power units onthe basis of the highest power rate and the lowest power rate using thepower rate information. In this case, each DR level may be representedby power rates for every power unit.

Using the power rate information, the DR level can be more accuratelyobtained by an average of power rate information accumulated in units ofa predetermined time, for example, one day, one week, one month, oneyear, etc.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating a household appliance foruse in a DR system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the household appliance 30 includes an input unit31, a receiving unit 32, a sensing unit 33, a power metering unit 34, aload driving unit 35, a transmitting unit 36, a display unit 37, astorage unit 38, and a controller 39.

The input unit 31, for example, a keypad, a keyboard, a joystick, atouchpad, a button, etc., is used as an interface unit allowing a userto enter a desired command. Specifically, the input unit 31 may beintegrated with the display unit 37, and may be configured in the formof a touchscreen.

The receiving unit 32 receives DR level information from the DR controlunit 20.

The sensing unit 33 detects various states of a household appliance. Ifthe household appliance is an induction heating cooker, the sensing unit33 includes a variety of sensors for sensing various states of theinduction heating cooker, for example, a temperature sensor, a voltagesensor, etc. If the household appliance is an air-conditioner, thesensing unit 33 includes a variety of sensors for sensing various statesof the air-conditioner, for example, an indoor temperature sensor, anoutdoor temperature sensor, an evaporator temperature sensor, etc. Ifthe household appliance is a refrigerator, the sensing unit 33 includesa variety of sensors, for example, an in-chamber temperature sensor, anevaporator temperature sensor, a discharge temperature sensor, etc.

The power metering unit 34 measures an amount of power consumed in ahousehold appliance at intervals of a predetermined time, i.e., one day,one week, one month, one year, or the like.

The load driving unit 35 drives a variety of loads of the householdappliance.

The transmitting unit 36 transmits a variety of information of thehousehold appliance to the DR control unit 20. For example, thetransmitting unit 36 transmits an amount of household-appliance powerconsumption measured by the power metering unit 34 to the DR controlunit 20.

The display unit 37 displays an operation status of the householdappliance 20, and displays messages associated with both the DR leveloperation and the power saving.

The storage unit 38 stores not only information related to an initialoutput level for each household appliance but also information relatedto a changed value of an initial output level for each DR level.

The controller 39 controls individual elements constructing eachhousehold appliance.

The controller 39 changes an initial output value established in ahousehold appliance to another output value capable of reducing powerconsumption according to a DR level received from the DR control unit20. In this case, the controller 39 reduces the initial output value inproportion to a current DR level, such that power consumption is reducedas the current DR level increases.

In this case, if the household appliance is an induction heating cooker,the controller 39 changes an initial output level value established in aworking coil for heating a container of the induction heating cooker toanother output level value capable of reducing power consumptionaccording to the DR level received from the DR control unit 20. In thiscase, the controller 39 reduces the initial output value in proportionto a current DR level, such that power consumption is reduced as thecurrent DR level increases.

In addition, if the household appliance is an air-conditioner, thecontroller 39 changes an initial set temperature value established inthe air-conditioner to another output set temperature value capable ofreducing power consumption according to the DR level received from theDR control unit 20. In this case, the controller 39 increases theinitial set temperature value in proportion to a current DR level, suchthat power consumption is reduced as the current DR level increases.

Further, if the household appliance is a refrigerator, the controller 39changes an initial freezing temperature value established in therefrigerator to another freezing temperature value capable of reducingpower consumption according to a DR level received from the DR controlunit 20. In this case, the controller 39 increases the initial freezingtemperature value in proportion to a current DR level, such that powerconsumption is reduced as the current DR level increases. In this case,the initial refrigerating temperature value may be used instead of theinitial freezing temperature value.

In addition, the controller 39 establishes an associated command in sucha manner that an initial output in response to a DR level can bemanually changed in response to a user command without beingautomatically changed. That is, the controller 39 confirms a usercommand when an initial output is changed in response to a DR level,such that the initial output may be immediately changed or be changedfrom a reserved time or an output value to be changed may be changed toa user-input output value.

In addition, the controller 39 displays current DR level information soas to allow the user to recognize a current DR level. Also, thecontroller 39 is operated at a current DR level so as to allow the userto recognize the power saving effect obtained by the DR level operation,such that it can display information indicating how much power rates arereduced as compared to another case in which the controller 39 is notoperated at the DR level.

Detailed operations of the controller 39 for each household appliancewill hereinafter be described in detail.

Hereinafter, operations of the controller 39 on the assumption that thehousehold appliance is an induction heating cooker will be given below.

FIG. 3 is a table illustrating initial output levels in response to DRlevels of an induction heating cooker of a DR system according to anembodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controllingan induction heating cooker using a DR system according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the controller 39 receives a DR level fromthe DR control unit 20 through the receiving unit 32 at operation 100.

After receiving the DR level from the DR control unit 20, the controller39 determines whether the received DR level is a fourth DR level atoperation 102.

If the received DR level is the fourth DR level at operation 102, thecontroller 39 confirms the initial output level of the working coilinstalled in the induction heating cooker at operation 104.

After confirming the initial output level of the working coil, thecontroller 39 changes the initial output level to another output levelcorresponding to the fourth DR level, which is less than the initialoutput level, at operation 106.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, if the confirmed initial output levelis equal to or higher than the fourth DR level (i.e., PL≧4), thecontroller 39 changes a new output level (NEW) to a value of (PL−3)indicating that a third DR level is deducted from the initial outputlevel. If the confirmed initial output level is a third level (PL=3),the controller 39 changes a new output level (NEW) to a value of (PL−2)indicating that a second DR level is deducted from the initial outputlevel. In addition, if the confirmed initial output level is a second DRlevel (PL=2), the controller 39 changes a new output level (NEW) to avalue of (PL−1) indicating that a first level is deducted from theinitial output level.

Meanwhile, if the received DR level is not identical to the fourth DRlevel at operation 102, the controller 39 determines whether thereceived DR level is a third DR level at operation 108.

If the received DR level is not identical to the third DR level atoperation 108, the controller 39 confirms an initial output level of theworking coil installed in the induction heating cooker at operation 110.

After confirming the initial output level of the working coil thecontroller 39 changes the initial output level to another output levelcorresponding to a third DR level, which is less than the initial outputlevel, at operation 112.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, if the confirmed initial output levelis equal to or higher than the third DR level (i.e., PL≧3), thecontroller 39 changes a new output level (NEW) to a value of (PL−2)indicating that a second DR level is deducted from the initial outputlevel. If the confirmed initial output level is a second level (PL=2),the controller 39 changes a new output level (NEW) to a value of (PL−1)indicating that a first DR level is deducted from the initial outputlevel.

Meanwhile, if the received DR level is not identical to the third DRlevel at operation 108, the controller 39 determines whether thereceived DR level is a second DR level at operation 114.

If the received DR level is identical to the second DR level atoperation 114, the controller 39 confirms an initial output level of theworking coil installed in the induction heating cooker at operation 116.

After confirming the initial output level of the working coil thecontroller 39 changes the initial output level to another output levelcorresponding to a second DR level, which is less than the initialoutput level, at operation 118.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, if the confirmed initial output levelis equal to or higher than the second DR level (PL≧2), the new outputlevel (NEW) is changed to a value of (PL−1) indicating that a first DRlevel is deducted from the initial output level.

Meanwhile, if the received DR level is not identical to the second DRlevel at operation 114, the controller 39 determines that the receivedDR level is the first DR level, and confirms an initial output level ofthe working coil installed in the induction heating cooker at operation120.

After confirming the initial output level, the controller 39 maintainsthe initial output level at operation 122.

As described above, the controller 39 changes the initial output levelto an output level corresponding to a DR level. The output level isdetermined according to a duty ratio of a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)signal provided to the working coil. As the DR level is changed from thefirst DR level to the fourth DR level, the controller 39 graduallyreduces the duty ratio. As a result, power consumption of the workingcoil is reduced so that the peak demand is also reduced.

When receiving a new DR level at the same level during a predeterminedtime (e.g., 5 seconds), the controller 39 recognizes the received DRlevel as a valid or effective value.

An override function indicates that an initial output level ismaintained without changing the initial output level, irrespective ofthe received DR level. The controller 39 maintains the initial outputlevel irrespective of a DR level when a user enters this overridefunction.

The relationship between the DR level and the initial output level isshown in FIG. 3. For example, provided that the user sets an initialoutput level to ‘4’, if the DR level is set to 1, level 4 is maintainedwithout change. However, if the DR level of 2 is used, the initialoutput level is changed from 4 to 3. In addition, if the DR level of 3is used, the initial output level is changed from 4 to 2. If the DRlevel of 4 is used, the initial output level is changed from 4 to 1.

As described above, the higher the DR level, the lower the initialoutput level. As a result, the DR system according to the embodimentscan reduce power consumption during the high-DR-level interval,resulting in reduction in electricity bills.

Operations of the DR system when the household appliance is anair-conditioner will hereinafter be described in detail.

FIG. 5 is a table illustrating temperature levels in response to DRlevels of an air-conditioner for use in a DR system according to anembodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controllingan air-conditioner using a DR system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the controller 39 receives a DR level fromthe DR control unit 20 through the receiving unit 32 at operation 200.

After receiving the DR level from the DR control unit 20, the controller39 determines whether the received DR level is a fourth DR level atoperation 202.

If the received DR level is the fourth DR level at operation 202, thecontroller 39 confirms the initial set temperature of theair-conditioner at operation 204.

After confirming the initial set temperature of the air-conditioner, thecontroller 39 changes the initial set temperature to another settemperature corresponding to the fourth DR level less than the initialset temperature at operation 206.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if the confirmed initial settemperature is equal to or higher than 25° C. (i.e., TL≦25° C.), thecontroller 39 changes a new set temperature (NEW) to a temperature valueof (TL+3° C.) indicating that a temperature of 3° C. is added to theinitial set temperature. If the confirmed initial set temperature is atemperature of 26° C. (i.e., TL=26° C.), the controller 39 changes a newset temperature (NEW) to a temperature value of (TL+2° C.) indicatingthat 2° C. is added to the initial set temperature. In addition, if theconfirmed initial set temperature is a temperature of 27° C. (i.e.,TL=27° C.), the controller 39 changes a new set temperature (NEW) to atemperature value of (TL+1° C.) indicating that 1° C. is added to theinitial set temperature.

Meanwhile, if the received DR level is not identical to the fourth DRlevel at operation 202, the controller 39 determines whether thereceived DR level is a third DR level at operation 208.

If the received DR level is identical to the third DR level at operation208, the controller 39 confirms an initial set temperature of theair-conditioner at operation 210.

After confirming the initial set temperature of the air-conditioner, thecontroller 39 changes the initial set temperature to another settemperature corresponding to a third DR level less than the initial settemperature at operation 212.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if the confirmed initial settemperature is equal to or higher than 26° C. (i.e., TL≦26° C.), thecontroller 39 changes a new set temperature (NEW) to a temperature valueof (TL+2° C.) indicating that 2° C. is added to the initial settemperature. If the confirmed initial set temperature is 27° C. (i.e.,TL=27° C.), the controller 39 changes a new set temperature (NEW) to atemperature value of (TL+1° C.) indicating that 1° C. is added to theinitial set temperature.

Meanwhile, if the received DR level is not identical to the third DRlevel at operation 208, the controller 39 determines whether thereceived DR level is a second DR level at operation 214.

If the received DR level is identical to the second DR level atoperation 214, the controller 39 confirms an initial set temperature ofthe air-conditioner at operation 216.

After confirming the initial set temperature of the air-conditioner, thecontroller 39 changes the initial set temperature to another settemperature corresponding to a second DR level less than the initial settemperature at operation 218.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if the confirmed initial settemperature is equal to or higher than 27° C. (i.e., TL≦27° C.), thecontroller 39 changes a new set temperature (NEW) to a temperature valueof (TL+1° C.) indicating that 1° C. is added to the initial settemperature.

Meanwhile, if the received DR level is not identical to the second DRlevel at operation 214, the controller 39 determines that the receivedDR level is a first DR level, such that it confirms the initial settemperature of the air-conditioner at operation 220.

After confirming the initial set temperature of the air-conditioner, thecontroller 39 maintains this initial setup temperature at operation 222.

As described above, the DR level is sub-divided into several steps, suchthat power consumption corresponding to each level is controlled. If acompressor is operated at a user-desired temperature, power consumptionis maximized. If the DR level is increased, a user-desired temperatureis gradually increased to reduce the operation time of theair-conditioner, resulting in reduced power consumption and reduced peakload.

When the new DR level is received at the same level during apredetermined time, the DR level is changed. Upon receiving a new levelduring the predetermined time, the DR level is maintained at a previouslevel.

In the same manner as in the induction heating cooker, theair-conditioner has an override function for maintaining the initial settemperature. If the user enters the override function, the controller 39continuously maintains the initial set temperature irrespective of a DRlevel.

The controller 39 can display the corresponding DR level on the displayunit 37 when a DR level is changed, and can display the reduced powerrates caused by the corresponding DR level operation.

If the user does not want to control the operation of theair-conditioner in response to the DR level, the controller 39 mayrelease the operation control of the air-conditioner in response to theDR level upon receiving a command from the user.

The relationship between the DR level and the initial set temperature isshown in FIG. 5. For example, in an ordinary case, the user sets aninitial set temperature to 18° C. If the DR level is changed during theoperation of the air-conditioner, the initial set temperature iscompulsorily increased by +2° C. Thereafter, if the DR level of 1 isused, the initial user setup information is maintained. However, as theDR level is increased, the initial set temperature is increased inincrements of +2° C.

Instead of changing the initial set temperature, the DR system accordingto the present invention compulsorily adjusts the compressor operationrate in proportion to the increasing DR level, resulting in reduction ofpower consumption. That is, the DR system gradually reduces theair-conditioner operation time in proportion to the increasing DR level.For example, if the DR level of 1 is used, the compressor operation ofthe air-conditioner is 50-minutes operation mode→10-minutes stop mode.If the DR level of 2 is used, the compressor operation of theair-conditioner is 40-minutes operation mode→20-minutes stop mode. Ifthe DR level of 3 is used, the compressor operation of theair-conditioner is 30-minutes operation mode→30-minutes stop mode. Ifthe DR level of 4 is used, the compressor operation of theair-conditioner is 20-minutes operation mode→40-minutes stop mode.

Through the above-mentioned scheme, the higher the DR level, the lowerthe initial set temperature. Alternatively, the higher the DR level, thelower the compressor operation rate. As a result, power consumption canbe reduced during a high-DR-level interval, resulting in reduction ofpower rates.

Operations of the DR system when the household appliance is arefrigerator will hereinafter be described in detail.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling arefrigerator using a DR system according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the controller 39 receives a DR level from the DRcontrol unit 20 through the receiving unit 32 at operation 300.

After receiving the DR level from the DR control unit 20, the controller39 determines whether the received DR level is a fourth DR level atoperation 302.

If the received DR level is the fourth DR level at operation 302, thecontroller 39 confirms the initial freezing-chamber temperature of therefrigerator at operation 304.

After confirming the initial freezing-chamber temperature of therefrigerator, the controller 39 changes the initial freezing-chambertemperature to a freezing-chamber temperature corresponding to thefourth DR level, which is less than the initial freezing-chambertemperature at operation 306.

For example, the controller 39 changes a new freezing-chambertemperature (NEW) to a temperature of (TL+6° C.) indicating that 6° C.is added to the initial freezing-chamber temperature.

In addition, the controller 39 powers off a defrosting heater to defrostan evaporator, and at the same time displays a current DR level (fourthDR level) at operation 308.

Meanwhile, if the received DR level is not identical to the fourth DRlevel at operation 302, the controller 39 determines whether thereceived DR level is a third DR level at operation 310.

If the received DR level is identical to the third DR level at operation310, the controller 39 confirms an initial freezing-chamber temperatureof the refrigerator at operation 312.

After confirming the initial freezing-chamber temperature of therefrigerator, the controller 39 changes the initial freezing-chambertemperature to another freezing-chamber temperature corresponding to thethird DR level, which is less than the initial freezing-chambertemperature at operation 314.

For example, the controller 39 changes a new freezing-chamber settemperature (NEW) to a temperature value of (TL+4° C.) indicating that4° C. is added to the initial freezing-chamber temperature.

The defrosting heater is powered off and at the same time the current DRlevel (third DR level) is displayed at operation 316.

Meanwhile, if the received DR level is not identical to the third DRlevel at operation 310, the controller 39 determines whether thereceived DR level is identical to the second DR level at operation 318.

If the received DR level is identical to the second DR level atoperation 318, the controller 39 confirms the initial freezing-chambertemperature of the refrigerator at operation 320.

After confirming the initial freezing-chamber temperature of therefrigerator, the controller 39 changes the initial freezing-chambertemperature to another freezing-chamber temperature corresponding to thesecond DR level indicating a low freezing-chamber temperature less thanthe initial freezing-chamber temperature at operation 322.

For example, the controller 39 changes a new freezing-chambertemperature (NEW) to a temperature of (TL+2° C.) indicating that 2° C.is added to the initial freezing-chamber temperature.

Meanwhile, if the received DR level is not identical to the second DRlevel at operation 318, the controller 39 determines that the receivedDR level is a first DR level and confirms the initial freezing-chambertemperature of the refrigerator at operation 326.

After confirming the initial freezing-chamber temperature of therefrigerator, the controller 39 maintains this initial freezing-chambertemperature at operation 328.

In addition, the current DR level (first DR level) is displayed atoperation 330.

As described above, as the DR level is increased, the initialfreezing-chamber temperature decided by the user is also graduallyincreased to reduce the compressor operation time of the refrigerator,such that power consumption is reduced and peak load is also reduced.

Upon receiving a new DR level at the same level during a predeterminedtime, the DR level is changed. Otherwise, upon receiving a differentlevel instead of the same level during a predetermined time, the DRlevel is maintained at a previous level.

In the same manner as in the induction heating cooker and theair-conditioner, the refrigerator also has an override function capableof maintaining the initial freezing-chamber temperature irrespective ofthe DR level. If the user enters the override function, the controller39 maintains the initial freezing-chamber temperature irrespective ofthe DR level.

If the DR level displayed on the display unit 37 is changed, thecontroller 39 displays the corresponding DR level on the display unit37, and can display power consumption corresponding to the new DR level.

In addition, if the user does not want to control the operation of therefrigerator in response to the DR level, the controller 39 may releasethe operation control of the refrigerator in response to the DR levelupon receiving a command from the user.

If the DR level of 2 is used, the controller 39 increases the initialfreezing-chamber temperature by 2° C. For example, if the initialfreezing-chamber temperature is set to −20° C., the initialfreezing-chamber temperature is changed to −18° C., resulting inreduction in compressor operation time. In this case, the defrostingheater is normally operated.

If the DR level of 3 is used, the controller 39 increases the initialfreezing-chamber temperature by 4° C. For example, if the initialfreezing-chamber temperature is set to −20° C., the initialfreezing-chamber temperature is changed to −16° C., resulting inreduction in compressor operation time. In this case, the defrostingheater is not operated.

In addition, if the DR level of 4 is used, the controller 39 increasesthe initial freezing-chamber temperature by 6° C. For example, if theinitial freezing-chamber temperature is set to −20° C., the initialfreezing-chamber temperature is changed to −14° C., resulting inreduction in compressor operation time. In this case, the defrostingheater is not operated.

Through the above-mentioned scheme, the higher the DR level, the higherthe initial freezing-chamber temperature, such that the operation timeof the compressor of the refrigerator is reduced. As a result, powerconsumption can be reduced during a high-DR-level interval, reducingpower consumption.

FIG. 8 shows an induction heating cooker for use in a DR systemaccording to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the induction heating cooker 30 for use in the DRsystem according to the embodiment includes two heating coils L1 and L2that are installed under a cooking board on which a container is put soas to provide heat to the cooking board.

In order to operate individual heating coils L1 and L2, one side of themain body of the induction heating cooker 30 includes not only aplurality of operation panels 50 for entering corresponding commands butalso a display panel 40 for displaying information.

Therefore, the user puts the container on the cooking board, confirmsthe positions of the heating coils L1 and L2 used to heat the containerthrough the display panel 40, and presses the operation panel 50 toenter initial output levels of individual heating coils L1 and L2, suchthat high-frequency power source is provided to the heating coils L1 andL2 on which the container is placed, thereby heating the container.

The operation panel 50 includes a first button 51 and a second button52. The first button 51 is a ‘Start Now’ button, and the second button52 is a ‘Start on DR’ button. The ‘Start Now’ button is adapted toestablish an override function, and the ‘Start on DR’ button is adaptedto release the function (i.e., override function) for automaticallyexecuting the energy output control in response to the DR level.

If the user operates the induction heating cooker when the DR level ishigh and power rates are high, this operation of the induction heatingcooker is considered to be inefficient. Therefore, in this case, theuser may immediately operate the induction heating cooker as needed, ormay also optionally operate the induction heating cooker at the powersaving mode as needed. For reference, these buttons can be applied toall household appliances, for example, induction heating cookers,air-conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.

FIG. 9 shows a message indicating a DR level operation and a messageindicating reduced power rates that are displayed on a display panel ofan induction heating cooker for use in a DR system according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the controller 39 displays the currently-operatingDR level information so as to allow the user to recognize a current DRlevel through the display unit 37. In addition, the controller 39 isoperated at a current DR level so as to allow the user to recognize thepower saving effect obtained by the DR level operation, such that it candisplay information indicating how much power rates are reduced ascompared to another case in which the controller 39 is not operated atthe DR level.

FIG. 10 shows an operation panel for manually establishing a DR level ofa household appliance for use in a DR system according to an embodiment.FIG. 11 shows another operation panel for manually establishing a DRlevel of a household appliance for use in a DR system according to anembodiment.

The operation panels 60 and 70 through which the user can freely changea DR level or the like are mounted to the household appliance, such thatthe user can adjust the operation panels 60 and 70 as necessary.

For example, the user may enable or disable the energy output control inresponse to the DR level using the ON/OFF button 62 contained in theoperation panel 60 or 70 having the DR level set button 63. In thiscase, the input DR level is maintained through the DR level set button62 during the time zone entered using the time-zone set button 61.

In addition, if the user enters a desired time through the time setbutton 61 contained in the operation panel 70 and enters a DR levelthrough the DR level set button 72, the DR level entered through the DRlevel set button 72 is maintained during the input time entered throughthe time set button 71. If the input time has elapsed after theexpiration of a timer, the manual DR level control is ended and energyoutput may be controlled in response to the DR level received from theDR control unit 20.

Through the above-mentioned scheme, the common DR control shortcoming inwhich the household appliance is unable to perform its own performanceof 100% can be eliminated, such that the DR level can be more reasonablycontrolled.

As is apparent from the above description, the DR system according tothe embodiment changes an initial output level of a household appliancein response to different DR levels having different power rates perpower unit, thereby reducing power consumption when power rates are highso as to reduce electricity bills.

Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it would beappreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made inthese embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit ofthe invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An air conditioner comprising: a compressorconfigured to compress refrigerant; and a controller configured tocontrol an operation of the compressor based on a difference between aset temperature input from a user and stored therein and a current roomtemperature, receive information about a current power rate through anetwork, and store a table including initial set temperatures matched torespective power rates, wherein when the air conditioner is turned on,the controller controls the operation of the compressor based on thedifference between the initial set temperature and the current roomtemperature, if the set temperature input and stored is lower than theinitial set temperature corresponding to received current power rate. 2.The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the table defines a plurality oflevels corresponding to respective power rate range, and stores aplurality of initial set temperatures matched to the respective level.3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein a first difference between aninitial set temperature of the table matched to an N level and aninitial set temperature of the table matched to an N+1 level is equal toa second difference between an initial set temperature of the tablematched to an N−1 level and the initial set temperature matched to the Nlevel.
 4. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein the difference is aunit temperature.